OAKLAND, Calif. — The first preseason game for the Cowboys was like trying out a new recipe without the directions.

Mix in a little of this here and a little of that there. Add this. Try that. Then see what you get. The finished product? Well, it’s still cooking.

Three preseason games remain for the Cowboys, but they have a lot of ground to cover considering they start the season Sept. 5 at the Super Bowl-champion Giants.

The first preseason game rarely produces definitive answers. But it’s a start, and there’s plenty to delve into after the Cowboys’ 3-0 victory over Oakland at O.Co Coliseum.

Here are five questions and answers to ponder at your next cookout:

Q: Who left a positive impression on the coaches?

A: Linebackers Alex Albright and Victor Butler stood out on defense and tight end James Hanna was solid on offense. Albright led the Cowboys with seven tackles, including two for loss, in the first half. Butler had back-to-back good plays in the second quarter, forcing a loss on a run and then pressuring the quarterback on third down. Hanna, the Cowboys' sixth-round pick from Oklahoma, started and showed his quickness, catching two passes for 15 yards. Hanna, however, isn't a strong blocker.

Q: Who emerged in the race for the No. 3 wide receiver job?

A: The Cowboys are starting to see more than just potential from 6-4 WR Andre Holmes. He was able to get separation from the cornerback and showed great hands, catching three passes for 40 yards. Holmes said he ran a wrong route early in the game, however. Holmes began training camp by failing his conditioning test and then dropped several passes his first few practices. Last week, Holmes caught a Hail Mary pass over a pack of players in the end zone to end practice. Holmes said that gave him some confidence coming into Monday night.

Q: How did center David Arkin hold up?

A: First off, Arkin is an offensive guard learning to play center. He's had bad snap after bad snap the first two weeks of training camp because injuries have depleted the roster. Arkin started and played most of the game. The Cowboys limited their shotgun snaps, and Arkin didn't have a snap hit the ground. However, Arkin whiffed on his block in the first quarter to allow Oakland DT Tommy Kelly to sack QB Tony Romo for a 12-yard loss. The Cowboys were trying to set up a screen pass. Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said Arkin was “pretty steady.”

Q: Who took the lead for the No. 3 quarterback job?

A: The Cowboys could end up keeping only two quarterbacks on the roster in Romo and backup Kyle Orton. However, if they keep three like last year the preseason games will determine it. McGee entered the game with six minutes left in the third quarter and finished 5-for-9 passing for 48 yards. McGee often found his check-down receiver, but he didn't make any mistakes. Carpenter entered with 6:44 to play in the fourth quarter and was sacked to end his first possession. Carpenter didn't attempt a pass.

Q: How did the Cowboys fare with injuries?

A: Jones said the only player to get hurt Monday night was rookie LB Kyle Wilber, the fourth-round pick from Wake Forest. Wilber broke his left thumb in the first half and will be out three to four weeks, Jones said, and will likely need surgery. If Wilber is available to start the season he'll have to play with a cast. Wilber has been quick off the edge in training camp and almost sacked Oakland QB Matt Leinart in the second quarter. He forced Leinart to throw incomplete on third down. Wilber missed almost all of the team's off-season practices after breaking his right index finger.